From it’s initial planning stages to its completion two decades later, the first public animal shelter in Queens has finally opened on Tuesday, July 30th. The massive facility stretches out over 50,000-square-feet at 1906 Flushing Ave. in Ridgewood with a special grassy area for rabbits and group housing for small animals like guinea pigs, according to first reports by The City.
Animal shelters in the city have long been overwhelmed shortly following Covid-19. In 2020, animal adoption was at a high. Since then however, NYC is experiencing the inverse with a crisis-level influx of animals overcrowding shelters. “Shelters are literally running out of space to house animals,” said Mallory Kerley of Muddy Paws Rescue in NYC, as mentioned in The Spirit.
Joann Ariola from the NYC Council District 32 emphasized on X how this Queens opening came at the perfect time and “will help alleviate the burden placed on so many of our rescues & shelters.”
The project was funded by the city, costing $75 million. Additional Animal Care Centers of NYC already exist in Manhattan and Staten Island, while the Bronx and Brooklyn locations are under renovation. For context, the new Queens shelter is around four times the size of Manhattan’s.
In total, more than 200 animals were transferred from Brooklyn ACC to the new Queens ACC. In the move, 77 dogs, 111 cats, 33 rabbits, and 2 guinea pigs were relocated.
It’s important to note that pet surrender is only available by appointment (at the new location and previously existing Animal Care Centers of NYC locations). Adoption hours at the Queens shelter are from Monday through Friday 12pm – 6pm and Saturday & Sunday from 11am – 5pm.